What’s your connection to Brimbank and the western suburbs?
I’ve long had an association with the west. I’ve been chair of the WiN Support Services in Footscray committee, a member of the Western Region Economic Development Organisation, chairman of Melbourne’s West Area Consultative Committee and have also served as chairman of the Brimbank Melton Local Learning and Employment Network.
What do you like best about the area?
The growth experienced by our region has put our community resources under enormous pressure, but our people are incredibly resilient. My family moved to Werribee over 35 years ago, as the housing was affordable and we were close to our business. Our neighbours worked mainly in the trades and were hardworking people who put family above everything. This is the same thing I find with most people who live and work in Melbourne’s west. It is our people who make our communities strong.
What do you think could be improved?
All of the above-mentioned voluntary work I’ve been part of in Melbourne’s west opened my eyes to the huge advantages we enjoy here, but also to the total lack of infrastructure to give our young people opportunities to gain employment – unless they own a car. A study concluded the vast majority of leadership roles available were filled by people who lived outside our region. From this it became very apparent that better and further education was the key requirement to assisting our young people to gain an advantage when looking to gain a brilliant career.
How has the area changed?
We continue to attract new arrivals. In the last 30 years we have seen the gentrification of the inner west, an area once shunned but now highly desirable. With this, exciting cafes and restaurants, florist shops and an amazing mix of consumables from around the world.
You’ve built an incredibly successful business in a largely male-dominated industry. What challenges have you faced along the way and what’s been the key to your success?
I was lucky to have had the most amazing husband. He taught me that it is only people who can make a difference. We are in a people industry. If you work with the best, encourage them and inspire them to be their best, regardless of their role, I’ve learned that you will be successful.
MacGregor Logistics has a strong female presence.
Every woman in our company is here because she is amazing. Our first finance director was with us for almost 35 years. Today, our finances are managed by another amazing woman, who is now celebrating nine years with us. Our transport manager is a woman, as is our 3PL warehouse leader. Overall, we have a
50 per cent balance between men and women.
Your Derrimut staff facilities and amenities are a source of great pride. Tell us about some of the key features of your base and how they were designed with employee needs in mind.
We have many interstate truck drivers who work with us. The pressures placed upon them by industry can be great, so we believe it is our responsibility to provide them with a base where their needs are met. We have a washer and drier to ensure they have clean clothes, showers for all staff to use, a bunk area and a breakfast area. We also provide fresh fruit and have a gym to keep everyone happy and healthy.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the roads in Brimbank and the west?
Traffic congestion is one of our greatest costs. Elevated roundabouts on narrow roads used by trucks cause damage to tyres. Where was the vision shown by our forebears? Planning is such an important role for all and yet we have roads being built that are not up to the task even before they are completed.
